One of the most valuable resources in our organization is- hands down our parents! Without parental input and support we would never be able to run a successful choir and help create responsible men out of the boys who come to us. At Houston Boychoir we know and appreciate the value of our parent volunteers. They are awesome caring people who have a multitude of talents that include: sewing, photography, writing, art design, costuming, marketing, video, sales, organizational skills, accounting and book-keeping, cooking, nursing, event planning, communications, design, business, musical skills, sales, computer skills, and so much more.

Parents provide the backbone to our community and it can frequently be seen in the success of the boys whose parents are involved most! But now, scientific studies prove that parental involvement is beneficial to the child, to the parents and to the entire family.

1. Parents are able to be involved in more after-school programs than in-school programs because it usually coincides with their work schedules. Milton J. Little, Jr., President of United Way Atlanta says, “Research shows that students are better off in after-school programs linked to their school activities and where their families are involved and engaged with what they are learning and how they are spending their afternoons.”

Our parent fetching water for boys!

2. By being more involved in these programs, parents are more able to monitor their child’s progress and have regular correspondence with the teachers to ensure their child is receiving the right attention for his specific needs.

3. Parents are also educated about the specialized activity their child is involved in, which in our case, is being in a choir and singing. Parent’s musical knowledge and ability can even be built up as they become more involved in what their child is doing.

4. Parents involvement also makes it possible for the organization to do more with less. When parents volunteer less money is spent on staff and more resources are available in direct programming for boys, allowing provision for as many learning opportunities as possible.

Parents getting together to plan future meals.

5. Parents involvement can also support more positive parent-child relationships at home (Priscilla Little, Research and Strategy Consultant). Children feel more encouraged when they can see their parents involved in the after-school program, and can go home and discuss it with their parent.

We know parents and their children have many opportunities for after school engagement, “But all these innovative programs and expanded opportunities will not, in and of themselves, make a difference if each of us, as parents and as community leaders, fail to do our part by encouraging excellence in our children.”
– President Barack Obama

Each season Houston Boychoir embarks on a concert tour, somewhere. It could be across the state or it could be across the country. But, in this, our 50th anniversary season, 25 incredibly lucky boys traveled across the globe to South Africa.

The choristers think this is their big reward for working hard all year and being in the choir. As their director, I know their reward comes in all they learn. If you are one of those angels who have supported Houston Boychoir in all they do and even more this season with the grand tour, here, in their voice is how much you impacted a bunch of pre-teen boys.

On Tour:

I learned how to be responsible and how to manage time wisely. These two things will get me far in life…Liam A. 8th grade

Sometimes long bus rides with your friends are more fun than short plane rides and patience and flexibility really are keys to being successful…Nicholas V. 7th grade

I learned how to pack efficiently, lead a group responsibly, and how to interact with new people with a different world view…Jonathan Z. 8th grade

On tour I learned how to quickly put on my formal uniform while still doing it correctly…Coleman H. 6th grade

I learned how to be responsible for myself! Keeping track of my stuff, waking up at the right time, spending money in controlled amounts, and making sure I keep up with the group. I think these are important life skills that are necessary to succeed…Patrick J. 6th grade

On tour, this tour especially, I learned patience. Being with a younger person and trying to understand their position is what has helped me learn this skill. There are too many things I could write for what I learned but I will just focus on one. The greatest thing I learned was maturity, a lesson that I am grateful for…Jacob M. 8th grade

I learned on tour that many countries are as modern as America and in the choir I learned that if you work hard, you will make the group better…David G. 5th grade

I learned how to pack my bag, how to be ready when it is time to move and how to listen for instructions…Royce S. 6th grade

I have learned how to pack my own bag and how to organize myself…Elliot S. 5th grade

On tour I’ve learned about communicating with people I don’t know (strangers). The home stays challenged me socially because I have trouble catching on but from now on I have a better idea of what to do. I am less shy from this experience…Gerry M. 6th grade

The thing I learned from tour is that you have to be formal for most of the time and you can’t be rude to anyone. What I learned from the choir this year is that you always have fun and you are a professional…anon.

As the directors and staff ready for a new season and new boys we look with enthusiasm for all the learning we can do along side these remarkable boys. Thank you for all your support and see you at the concerts.